The four left Changqing Village and crossed a narrow frozen river. About another two to three km further, they entered a poplar grove.
The towering poplars stood upright and were sparsely planted. Fluffy white snow covered the branches tall up. Instead of a lonely and deserted feel, they looked rather quaint and elegant.
"..."
Gu Yu looked around, assuming this was where Xiaozhai's master's grave was. However, she kept walking, leading them out of the grove and going all the way to the foot of the mountain.
This area was part of the western slope of the Changbai Mountain[1]. The front gate was located in the scenic area with solid twisting mountain road and stone staircases. Everywhere else, there were only unmarked trails.
The one they followed was no exception. Xiaozhai had not said a single word and was striding up the mountain, holding Gu Yu's hand. Long Qiu and Xiaojin both found it rather curious, but dared not ask. They only followed behind the couple obediently.
